What Are Diabetic Nephropathy Symptoms

Kidney damage occurs in the nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, which consist of a capillary network called glomeruli. Glomeruli filter wastes from the blood, control blood pressure, regulate electrolytes, stimulate red blood cell production, and produce urine. Diabetic nephropathy symptoms directly relate to the kidneys' inability to function properly.

SWELLING
As the diabetic nephropathy progresses, swelling occurs in the legs. Swelling occurs as the result of the kidneys not being able to control the balance of water, sodium and other electrolytes. Physicians prescribe a class of blood pressure medication called ACE inhibitors, allowing the kidneys to balance water and sodium, thereby decreasing blood pressure and also preventing further damage to the kidneys. According to MedlinePlus, the goal of the ACE inhibitors is to maintain a blood pressure less than 130/80mm Hg. Adverse effects of ACE-inhibitors include severe low blood pressure, severe coughing and decrease in urine output, notes the text "Pharmacology: A Nursing Process Approach."

FATIGUE
Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance may be related to the kidneys' inability to effectively regulate red blood cell production, thereby leading to anemia. Anemia is diagnosed based on the blood test result of a complete blood count, revealing decreased red blood cells. The kidneys release a hormone called erythropoietin to stimulate bone marrow's production of red blood cells. Due to the presence of diabetic nephropathy, the kidneys produce less erythropoietin, leading to a decrease of red blood cell production. Red blood cells consist of a protein-rich compound called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to cells and carbon dioxide away from cells to the lungs for excretion through exhalation.
An exogenous, or man-made, erythropoietin, such as Procrit, treats anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Physicians prescribe these injections to help stimulate bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. However, Procrit injections carry a risk of patients developing blood clots.

URINARY CHANGES
The glomeruli have tiny pores that usually keep proteins from slipping through the urine. Evidence of kidney damage occurs when the opposite happens. Urine may appear dark and frothy at times during the late stages of chronic kidney failure. Some people at this stage of diabetic nephropathy may experience decreased urine output.
The physician may order a blood test that would reveal high blood urea nitrogen-BUN levels, which are toxins in the blood normally excreted by the kidneys, and a high creatinine level. Creatinine, a waste product from physiological metabolic processes, normally ranges between 0.5 to 1.2 mg/dL of a blood sample, according to the book "Medical-Surgical Nursing." Increased creatinine levels signify kidney damage. Blood urea nitrogen measures the amount of urea, which is an end product of protein metabolism released by the liver, circulated through the blood and excreted by the kidneys. Normal blood urea nitrogen levels range between 5 to 20 mg/dL of a blood sample, states "Medical-Surgical Nursing." Depending on the results of the blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, the physician may ask the person diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy to eat less protein.

Then how to Help People with Diabetic Nephropathy Avoid Dialysis? The only way is to save kidneys themselves and control blood sugar well. If you still have any questions, you can send us an email to doctornickzhang@hotmail.com, or you can leave us a message. We will try our best to help you.